Taupo, New Zealand, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — New Zealand’s award-winning Huka Lodge is set to celebrate its 90th birthday in style with a selection of inspirational and intimate events planned for 2014.
The luxury lodge – located in the North Island region of Taupo – will celebrate achieving this momentous milestone with a selection of some of the world’s most prolific artists, writers and speakers.
Evening with Eleanor Catton
Perhaps most notable is An Evening with Eleanor Catton – the New Zealand author of The Luminaries, winner of the prestigious 2013 Man Booker Prize and one of TimeMagazine’s ‘30 People Under 30 Changing the World in 2013′.
Taking place in October 2014, guests of Huka can enjoy an audience with the award-winning novelist in a cosy setting as she discusses her work and the impending production of a television mini-series of her sophomore novel. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal created by Huka’s Executive Chef Paul Froggatt.
Rare delicacy
Events, which run from April to October, include an intimate evening with critically-acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith; an Italian Opera weekend with celebrated New Zealand Maori opera singer Deborah Wai Kapohe with food courtesy of Sydney’s iconic chef Stefano Manfredi; and a Paspakey Pearl Discovery weekend where guests will dine on the rare delicacy of pearl meat.
The ‘Celebrate the Art of Living’ weekend brings together Auckland-based holistic nutrition expert Dr Libby Weaver, Marlborough’s Greywacke winemaker Kevin Judd, Hartfield Jewellers and iconic luxury car brand Aston Martin.
The Rodd & Gunn Weekend showcases some distinct outdoor activities including driving with Range Rover and trout fishing – which first inspired the lodge. 2011 Rugby World Cup winning All Blacks coach Graham Henry will also be on hand to impart some of his wisdom.
The annual Bollinger Champagne Dinner – with culinary delights created by celebrity chef Martin Benn and the Big (Aussie) Red Dinner – hosted by Australian rugby great Nick Farr-Jones round off the diverse programme.
Award-winning accommodation
Along with being the first and oldest of its kind to be opened in New Zealand, Huka Lodge is one of the most celebrated with awards ranging from TripAdviser’s 2014 Travellers’ Choice Award to fifth ranking in the 2013 Top 20 International Hideaways.
Set within 17 acres of a magnificent Garden of National Significance (noted for its native plantings) set on the banks of the teal-hued mighty Waikato River and just above the thundering Huka Falls, Huka Lodge offers a range of luxury accommodation options.
There are 18 Jnr Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite and two exclusive cottages – The Owner’s Cottage and the Alan Pye Cottage – both designed and decorated to reflect the outdoor lovers’ paradise of the Taupo region.
Simple tented camp
Huka Lodge has come a long way since it was founded by Irishman Alan Pye in 1924. It was his simple tented camp, generous hospitality and authentic tales of bountiful trout that brought visitors from around the world to Huka.
Under new ownership since 1984, the lodge’s face constantly evolves, searching for innovative ways to give clients luxurious experiences, but the genuine hospitality and breathtaking location continue to underpin the Huka Lodge experience.
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Huka Lodge’s secluded location on the banks of the Waikato River, near the popular tourist town of Taupo, has attracted many profile guests from royals and heads-of-state to Hollywood movie stars.
The 20-room lodge also has two exclusive cottages – the Owner’s Cottage and the Allan Pye retreat.
The property is set just above the world-famous Huka Falls and is surrounded by native bush and gardens. The location provides privacy as well as being on the doorstep of some of the region’s top trout fishing spots.
Huka Lodge has a vast cellar and a reputation for fine dining, and there’s easy access to Taupo’s many attractions which centre around the vast lake and the volcanic central plateau.